X Tables
Scratch Maths

Where is position hiding in Scratch story maps?

Put scenes on a map and use directions to travel between them.

Quick answer

In Scratch story maps, position is hiding in the coordinates (x, y) that tell where sprites are placed on the screen. You can use these coordinates to move sprites around the map and create adventures.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use coordinates to place and move sprites in a Scratch story map, and understand how position works in a digital space. Success signs:
  • You can explain what x and y coordinates mean in Scratch
  • You can place a sprite at a specific point on the screen
  • You can move a sprite using coordinate values
  • You can create a simple path between locations on a story map

Why this matters

Understanding position in Scratch helps you create amazing stories and games. When you know how to use coordinates, you can build maps where characters move from place to place, like in a treasure hunt or a space adventure. This skill is used in video games, apps, and even in designing buildings or planning journeys. It's like learning to read a map, but in a digital world!

How it works

In Scratch, every point on the screen has a special address called coordinates. Think of it like a grid with numbers. The x-coordinate tells you how far left or right to go, and the y-coordinate tells you how far up or down. To use position in Scratch:
  1. Find the sprite you want to move
  2. Look at the "go to x: y:" block in the motion category
  3. Enter the x and y coordinates you want to go to
  4. Click the block to make the sprite move

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're creating a story map of your town. You have a character sprite that needs to go from your house to the park. Example 1: Your house is at position (100, 50). Your park is at position (200, 150). To move your character:
  • Set x to 100
  • Set y to 50
  • Move to position (200, 150)
Example 2: If you're using a map with a grid, you can count squares to find positions.
  • Start at position (0, 0) in the bottom-left corner
  • Move right 5 squares (x = 5)
  • Move up 3 squares (y = 3)
  • Now you're at position (5, 3)
Example 3: Let's say you want your character to visit three places in order:
  • Start at (0, 0)
  • Go to (100, 50) - the shop
  • Then to (200, 100) - the library
  • Finally to (300, 150) - the school

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt Map You're going on a treasure hunt in Scratch! Your map has different locations. You need to place your character and then move them to find the treasure.
  1. First, place your treasure hunter sprite at position (0, 0)
  2. Next, move them to the forest at position (100, 50)
  3. Then, go to the cave at position (150, 100)
  4. Finally, find the treasure at position (200, 150)
Try drawing a path on paper to match these coordinates, then try it in Scratch!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Mixing up x and y coordinates
    Why it happens: The order can be confusing at first
    Fix: Remember "x is across, y is up"
  • Mistake: Forgetting that Scratch uses a coordinate system where (0,0) is bottom-left
    Why it happens: This is different from math class where (0,0) is bottom-left
    Fix: Practice by placing a sprite at (0,0) and see where it goes
  • Mistake: Using negative numbers when they're not needed
    Why it happens: Confusion about how Scratch coordinates work
    Fix: Start with positive numbers only

Parent and carer guide

Parents, you can help your child understand position in Scratch by:
  • Playing with coordinates on a grid paper first
  • Using real-world examples like a map or a room layout
  • Practicing with simple movements in Scratch
  • Encouraging your child to explain where sprites are going
  • Being patient when they make mistakes - it's part of learning
If your child gets frustrated, take a break and try again later. The key is practice and seeing how coordinates work in a fun way.

Practice questions

  1. What does the x-coordinate tell you?
  2. What does the y-coordinate tell you?
  3. If a sprite starts at (0, 0) and moves to (50, 30), what direction did it go?
  4. Where is the bottom-left corner of the Scratch screen?
  5. How would you move a sprite from (100, 100) to (200, 150)?
Answers:
  1. The x-coordinate tells you how far left or right to go
  2. The y-coordinate tells you how far up or down to go
  3. It went right and up
  4. At position (0, 0)
  5. Change x to 200 and y to 150

FAQ

What is a coordinate in Scratch?

A coordinate in Scratch is a pair of numbers (x, y) that tells exactly where a sprite is placed on the screen. The x number tells how far left or right, and the y number tells how far up or down.

How do I find coordinates in Scratch?

Scratch shows coordinates in the bottom-left corner of the screen. You can also use the "go to x: y:" block to set coordinates. The position is shown as a pair of numbers like (100, 50).

Can I use negative coordinates in Scratch?

Yes, but it's not usually needed for beginners. Scratch can work with negative numbers, but for story maps, positive coordinates work best.

Why are coordinates important in games?

Coordinates help game designers place characters, objects, and obstacles exactly where they need to be. Without coordinates, games would be very hard to build and play.

How can I practice coordinates at home?

You can practice by drawing grids on paper and placing objects at different coordinates. You can also use a map of your house or neighborhood to plan routes using coordinates.